Alana Stanton of Oconee County Primary School was named the 2026-27 Oconee County Schools District Teacher of the Year on Thursday.

Stanton, a first-grade teacher, has been a member of the Oconee County Primary School staff since 2020 and has more than two decades of experience in elementary education.

“Today I am living my dream,” Stanton said. “I teach first grade at Oconee County Primary School. Every day I wake up, and I get to be a school teacher. I say school teacher because I am not just a classroom teacher. I come into the school and believe in all children. I use all that I have been taught from my past teachers and pour it into the students each day. All children deserve a champion who will listen to them, believe in them, and empower them to use their voice. I’m honored to be one of these champions.”

Stanton began her teaching career in 2005 at Bethesda Elementary School in Gwinnett County, where she taught first and second grades and served as a literacy activity teacher. She later taught kindergarten and served in literacy, math, and reading enrichment roles at Mulberry Elementary School before joining Oconee County Primary School in 2020. At OCPS, she has also been involved in initiatives that extend learning beyond the classroom, including the school’s Runner’s Club and a student-created class garden that provides hands-on opportunities in science and mathematics.

Stanton holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Georgia and a master’s degree in elementary reading and literacy from Walden University.

“Alana is a teacher who brings a little bit of magic into her classroom every single day, and she is endlessly committed to making sure every child feels seen, supported, and successful,” said Principal Shelby Hilley. “In her classroom, there is always something happening, something to solve, something to explore, and, most importantly, something new for her students to discover. Through it all, Alana brings energy, creativity, and a deep belief in the whole child. She doesn’t simply teach; she inspires curiosity, builds confidence, and creates experiences her students will remember.”

Teachers of the Year from each of Oconee County Schools’ 12 schools were also recognized during Thursday’s banquet, presented by the Oconee County High Schools Alumni Association.

Oconee County Primary
Alana Stanton, 1st Grade

Colham Ferry Elementary
Georgia Rhineheart, Special Education

Dove Creek Elementary
Holly Shelnutt, K-5 Explore

High Shoals Elementary
Melissa Shaner, K-5 EIP Teacher 

Malcom Bridge Elementary
Sarah Wheatley, K-5 Explore

Oconee County Elementary
Rachel Carter, Media Specialist

Rocky Branch Elementary
Kimberly Castle, Kindergarten

Dove Creek Middle
Lisha Burrell, 6/7th-Grade ELA and 6th- Grade Study Skills

Malcom Bridge Middle
Christina Stephens, 8th-Grade Math/ELA

Oconee County Middle
Beth Heins, 6th-8th Reading 

North Oconee High
Nicole O'Mara, 10th-Grade Honors Chemistry & 11/12th-Grade Oceanography

Oconee County High
Kim Graham, Special Education/ELA